[Updated]Floating Lunar Lamp

Hi guys, this project actually started with a different intention and ended as something else. After my recent Papier-mâché class I wanted make something, finally settled with a moon model. A friend of mine asked "why don't you make it a lamp I could use for low light reading?". So decided to make a paper moon lamp. On finishing the lamp we were confused on how to mount it? And we decided to add a twist "A lamp floating by magnetic levitation".

Supplies:

Step 1: Collecting the Materials

For the Moon:

Cheap Toilet Paper

PVA based Glue

Water

Bowl to mix

Balloon

Brush

Mount and Electronics:

Boom Scissors Microphone mount (I had one lying around, you can get a cheaper one)

Magnetic Levitation Kit, I had this for ages (You can get it in your nearby science shop or online)

Power Supply 12V, 2A (Mine came with the kit)

Corrugated Cardboard for enclosure

Tea Light

White LED

Scissors

Screw Driver

Step 2: The Messy Work!

Blow the balloon to the desired size, I've made it in size of a mid sized ball.

Place the balloon over a bowl this will be the support.

Mix glue and water in a bowl. Gently apply the mixture over the balloon using the soft brush.

Tear off the edges of the toilet paper and start pasting over the balloon. (We'll use those torn edges in the next step).

Repeat till the balloon is wrapped in 3-4 layers of toilet paper.

Step 3: The Messy Work - 2 (Optional)

Moon without dimples? ;) . That wouldn't be fair, we'll using the torn edges to make the craters.

I just wanted the model to have some relief. This was done with no idea of making a lamp, These rings will actually appear dark when illuminated from inside but looks epic with external lighting.

Lets keep it aside till it gets dried, this actually depends on your environment. Its summer here should be taking a lesser time.

Step 4: Meanwhile - Lighting

The first thing is these battery operated Tea Lights have a Flickering Yellow LED, I just want them to be White.

Dismantle the light, remove the batteries.

Straighten the LED terminals and Pull it out.

Now insert the white LED, trim off terminals to length, fold back and its done.

Test and Reassemble the Tealight.

Step 5: the Mount and Calibration

The Levitation kit has two parts. The Control board & Coil with Sensor.

Using Glue Gun, I mounter the coil to the boom stand and temporarily mounted the stand.

The control board has a Trim Pot. This is used for calibrating the field and make the magnet float.The magnet and the tealight are struck together using glue gun.

The magnet & light are made to float by adjusting the Trim pot.

I made a small box out of cardboard to cover the control board and mounted the entire kit on the stand and gave a vinyl wrap.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

It took around 6-7 hours to dry.

Now is my favorite part, poke the balloon with something sharp and take out the balloon.

I initially planned to close the opening, but decided to leave it open to create hard light spot for low light reading.

Made the hole bigger enough using scissors so that the tea light would freely go into it.

Step 7: Show Time

Its great for low light reading and also as a show piece, Sometime I remove the Moon Shell to have a brighter ambiance, You can also move the arm The Moon will just Follow. Also having a future upgrade that includes wireless power transfer.

Nice, always fun when a creative process can evolve in to something you did not intend but makes the result even more interesting! I love how the paper mache moon turned out, I think I might try to make one myself if I get around to it and hang it on a tree branch that is hanging from our dining room ceiling.